June 24, 2010
Soccer Practice Games: A Guide To 4v4 Game
Have you ever imagined the kind of advantages soccer practice games give the players? The games offer not only the flexibility to develop their own style of playing but also get to touch the ball relatively more.
In soccer training, a 4v4 small-sided game is set up in a small area and is beneficial not only to the coach but also to the players. The coach is in a position to observe all players on one side since they are only 4 in count. The players are allowed to play with the ball for as long as they wish to. Also, it allows the players to practice the process of distribution - collecting the ball, looking up, and taking quick decisions.
The onus lies on the coach to be available on the playing field and cheer the kids to make use of this method. To begin with, the kids may find it difficult to adjust to it. For example, they might try to apply the usual technique of kick and run. This is normal. However, you will need to teach them the various ways they can employ the process of distribution.
You can initially use a diagram for making the kids understand the process. After that you must demonstrate it also. Be a little persistent and the kids will find it easy to accept and follow it. Once the players start applying the process, they’ll attempt to utilize the space sensibly when having the ball.
This gives a kind of formation to the team’s play. This will also make the players sharpen their skills and control the speed of the game. You must be careful with it because this process of distribution is only for the advanced players.
The beginners should not be introduced to this in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should only make them focus on playing with freedom than stuck with rules. The focus should not be the development of the technique but free play and enjoyment.
When you teach the players the process of distribution, it is vital that they know how to maintain balance with the ball. The player who has the ball must keep looking up and also take a decision on where to pass the ball.
The coach must teach the players to create space around the player with the ball so that he has ample room to move the ball around. A 4v4 game is ideal to teach such tactics.
Another thing that the coach must undertake to teach the kids is about positions such as forward, defender, right flank, left flank. The kids should identify with these positions and the best way to practice it is that the coach refers to them by name during the sessions.
You must exercise patience with the kids when they are learning these exercises. The kids may take a little time in getting used to these things.
So use these soccer practice games to help your kids learn the fine points of soccer. For more tips and tricks on a 4v4 game, be a part of our youth soccer coaching community that has several resources on youth soccer.
Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Soccer Training Tips.
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